Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State, commissioned the 3.3-kilometer Adesan Road in Mowe, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, on Friday, while also announcing the arrest of four more suspects in the kidnapping of seven Gateway ICT Polytechnic students in Saapade.
Governor Abiodun lauded the students’ rescue and the arrest of the suspects as a huge triumph in the state’s anti-crime campaign, vowing that Ogun State would never become a refuge for criminals.
It should be noted that two members of the abduction group were captured on Thursday during the operation that resulted in the successful rescue of the pupils.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the governor thanked the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS), and other student bodies for their patience, understanding, and support during the students’ captivity.
He credited the successful rescue operation to the coordinated efforts of security agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and vigilantes.
Governor Abiodun also praised the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director-General of the DSS.
“Before the end of July, some of our pupils were abducted by unscrupulous individuals. To God’s glory, we worked tirelessly with the cooperation and coordination of our law enforcement agencies, as well as the support of Mr. President, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director-General of the DSS.
“We successfully rescued all seven students yesterday. We have apprehended four additional kidnappers, but the remaining suspects are still on the run. “We will arrest them as well,” the governor stated.
Governor Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s zero tolerance for criminality, stating that Ogun State, Nigeria’s industrial center and gateway to the country, will not allow criminals to operate within its borders.
“Ogun State will not tolerate crime or criminality. “Those who come here to test our resolve will be tracked down, smoked out, arrested, and subjected to the full force of the law,” he declared.